Magnificent Gift

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

In all things—for all things—give thanks. Above all things for which to be thankful is God giving up His Son for us. Imagine what giving up your only son for a bunch of unthankful heathen must have been like. But God graciously let Jesus come down to earth as a bitty baby and live among His people—those He had chosen, yet those who had rejected Him. It must have been hard to have watched His Son be cold, hungry, rejected and condemned—to have felt all the human emotions. Yet Jesus still thought of honoring His Heavenly Father first in all that He did and said. Can we do less? Jesus was the indescribable gift.

RSVP: Jesus is challenging us today to thank our Heavenly Father for giving us His indescribable gift. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Jesus—You were a gift to mankind over 2,000 years ago…and You are still that same gift today. Indescribable. Magnificent. Worthy of praise, honor and glory. May Your gift to us be our gift to others as we share Your love with others.

Happy Birthday, Vicki!

Hard to believe you would have been 39 today. Heavenly Blessings.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Renew Your Mind

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Renew your mind. Put in some new stuff—read up in God’s word that is cleansing and refreshing. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit in me…Psalm 51:10. That’s a good way to end the year…and to start the New Year. Plan ahead to set yourself a new course. I think I’ll do just that. Evaluate where I’ve been this year…and where I’m going for next year…spiritually.  Where have you been…where are you going?

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to renew our minds…to seek to be more like Him and to do God’s will. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~Jesus, help me, as well as my family and friends, to renew our minds that we would be more pleasing to You in all we do and say.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Don’t be Foolish

So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. Ephesians 5:17-21

 

Be filled with the Spirit. Spiritually. Understand the will of the Lord…For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, ... For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, 7. God expects us to seek holiness in our lives and to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. There is truly nothing more joyful—more exhilarating—in life than to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to know that you are living a life that is pleasing to God. There is always something that presses in on our lives…expectations from others or even personal desires that separate us from doing what we know is best to do—to serve God. Do we really put God first in our lives? That is what we are supposed to do—but there is laundry to be done…and the dishwasher needs to be unloaded…and I want to read that an old American prairie classic, My Antonia, that I just started. So many things…so little time. Give thanks that you are able to do things…and do all things as if you were doing them for Jesus Himself. That has been a great motivating factor for me for many years. What motivates you to do the things you do?

RSVP:  Jesus is inviting us to look at our motivations, our attitudes. Are we seeking to do His will in our lives? How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Thank you for motivating me to seek You first in my life—and for all that You have provided for me, my family and friends. We praise You for You are worthy of our praise and thanksgiving—today and always.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

If you still have left-over turkey, here’s a change from normal turkey sandwiches and turkey soup.

Turkey Lettuce Wraps

3 cups cubed or shredded cooked turkey
1 can chopped green chilies, 4 oz.
1 can black beans, 15 oz., rinsed and drained
 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
¼ cup finely chopped onion
¼ cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
1 tablespoon lime juice
½ teaspoon ground cumin
 ½ teaspoon sea salt
 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup salsa
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and finely chopped
½ cup reduced-fat sour cream

12 Bibb or Boston lettuce leaves 

In a large bowl, combine the first 11 ingredients. Refrigerate until serving. Just before serving, stir in avocado. Place 1/2 cup mixture on each lettuce leaf; top each with 2 teaspoons sour cream. Fold lettuce over filling. Serve with additional salsa, if desired. Makes 12 wraps which can be served to 4-6 hungry people or used for a group as a buffet dish. Enjoy!

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Thankful?

Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:15-16 NLT 

This is the time of the year to give thanks. What are you thankful for this year? I’m still rejoicing and giving thanks to our Lord and precious savior for the miracle of healing our new grandbaby from a cyst on her brain and possible heart abnormalities. A true miracle. Thank You, Jesus. Tears of joy well up in my eyes as I praise You, Jesus. Healthy babies are a joy.  

Look for ways that God has been working in your life and give Him “Thanks” for those blessings. If you haven’t read the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp yet—please consider it for your next read. She focuses on how God works in our lives—during the good time and the not so good times---and giving eucharisteo – Grateful Thanks—for all the blessings that God give us. Praise God from whom all blessing flow.   

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to give Him thanks for all He does in our lives. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ We give thanks to You and to God the Father for all things in Your name, Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Joyfully Give Thanks to God for All Things.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Piggy Spirits

When He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs. They were so extremely violent that no one could pass by that way. And they cried out, saying, "What business do we have with each other, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?" Now there was a herd of many swine feeding at a distance from them. The demons began to entreat Him, saying, "If You are going to cast us out, send us into the herd of swine." And He said to them, "Go!" And they came out and went into the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the waters. The herdsmen ran away, and went to the city and reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they implored Him to leave their region. Matthew 8:28-34

On a trip to Israel when we visited the Gadarenes area, at the north end of the Sea of Galilee, our tour guide asked us what we thought “the other side” meant—and I responded (correctly) “the place of the Gentiles.”  Swine were raised in this area and since Jews don’t eat pork, it had to be a Gentile area. When Jesus cast the demons into the swine those herdsmen lost not only their income, but also their next meal. No sitting down for a feast with Jesus that day. Economically speaking, it is understandable that they asked Jesus to leave. Who asks someone who has just caused them to lose their income to hang around and have a feast with them?  Additionally, we can assume that they were afraid of Jesus’ power. Who can tell demons what to do?  Those who had been demon possessed probably would have liked to have thanked Jesus, but this passage doesn’t tell us that.

Parallel scriptures in Mark 5:1-17 and Luke 8:26-39 tell us that there were 2000 pigs. That is a huge herd of swine! The passage in Mark relates that the formerly demon possessed man wanted to leave with Jesus, but Jesus told him to go home and report to his people the great things the Lord had done for him and the mercy the Lord had on him. So he went to Decapolis, an area of ten Greek cities southeast of the Sea of Galilee (now in Jordan), and told about what Jesus had done for him. Wow—he was like one of the first missionaries for Jesus.

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to learn about His power from this lesson on the demons being cast into the swine. What can you learn from this? How can you apply this to your life? 

Prayer ~ Lord, we praise you and thank you that you came to heal and minister to the Gentiles, too. Help us to tell others what you have done for us.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Let the Dead Bury the Dead

Another of the disciples said to Him, "Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father." But Jesus said to him, "Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead." Matthew 8:21-22 

There are 21 references to “follow Me” in the NASB translation of the Gospels. There are a couple of meanings to those words—and in this passage and most of the passages listed it just simply means to become His disciple. Otherwise it means to “come now.” Spiritually this is a call to draw followers to Him, too—to go along with His teachings. Those who choose not to live like Jesus are the “dead” that can take care of other “dead.” Why would anyone choose to be “dead?” Lots of reasons—pride, selfish ambition, misunderstandings, rejection by other family or church goers, …and the list goes on. Basically, it is a private issue between that person and God. You can respectfully try to help them see Jesus as the way, the truth, the life, and the only way to the Heavenly Father… Jesus said … "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. John 14:6. But everyone has to choose for themselves—no one can make that decision for someone else. 

RSVP: Jesus is calling and inviting those who hear Him to come to Him…to learn from Him. How will you respond to Him today?  

Prayer ~Jesus, we choose to follow You. No dead weight holding us back from walking in Your ways…on Your path.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Was Jesus Homeless?

Then a scribe came and said to Him, "Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go." Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." Matthew 8:19-20

 

Nowhere to lay His head. He was born in a stable, a cave, and His first bed was a manger. Remember the song… Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head. No home. Then off to Egypt—no home. When His family came back to Israel, they made their home in Nazareth. He had a home—not homeless. But when Jesus began His ministry—He became homeless—He traveled throughout Israel, mostly in the Galilean region. Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23. Homeless.  Have you ever been homeless? Or just felt homeless? Abandoned? Jesus has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8, Matthew 28: 20, and Hebrews 13:5). We never have to feel abandoned or rejected—even if we are temporarily homeless.

 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to follow Him…but we need to know that there is no earthly guarantee of a place to lay our heads. Spiritually, He will guarantee us a home in heaven, if we believe in Him. How will you respond to Him today?

 

Prayer ~ Jesus, we need Your love and care. Thank you for your promise that you will never leave us or forsake us.

Happy Birthday to Marv and Jan!

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Healed All Who Were Ill

When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: "HE HIMSELF TOOK OUR INFIRMITIES AND CARRIED AWAY OUR DISEASES." Matthew 8:16-17

As Jesus told John’s disciples...“Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM.” Luke 7:22. He came to heal—bodies and spirits. That is just what people who came to Him is this scripture passage were expecting Jesus to do…to heal the demon-possessed and sick people. That is just what He did. He is still doing that. Just ask and you will receive, as Jesus said…"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7. Even healing from demon-possession. That takes prayer and fasting. Spiritual possession is not something that most of us deal with on a daily basis—and is not something for the spiritually weak or untrained to delve into. Don’t face that alone. Seek out help from mature Christians who have had experience with that if you need to come alongside someone with that problem.

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you to allow Him to take on the healing of any illness—physical or spiritual—that you or those you love may have. Will you trust Him to help you? How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, Thank You for the healing touch that You have given to me, my family, friends and neighbors—for taking on our infirmities and diseases.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Serve Jesus

When Jesus came into Peter's home, He saw his mother-in-law lying sick in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she got up and waited on Him. Matthew 8:14-15  

After you’ve been sick with a fever did you ever just jump up full of energy? Never. You probably spent at least a couple of days drained of energy, just lying around resting. Not Peter’s mother-in-law. She hopped right up after Jesus healed her, got His dinner ready and served it to Him…and the other disciples who were with Him, probably. Jesus always traveled with at least a few disciples—so there were probably several extra people besides Jesus and Peter at that meal. After her miraculous healing this dear lady probably wanted to give Jesus a special meal—or at least His favorite food. What do you think Jesus’ favorite food would have been? He created all the food Himself. Apples, pears, pomegranates, fish, goat cheese, humus, or maybe some fine Jewish wine, served with a nice loaf of bread…or some pita. You can be sure that she served it with a smile. A grateful heart. What would you serve to Jesus? Jesus said that when we serve others in His name…we serve Him. See Matthew 25: 35-45. 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you to wait on Him today…to wait on Him for a healing touch and to wait on Him, serving Him or others in His name.  How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I thank you for Your healing touch on my life…and on my family, friends and neighbors. Please continue to touch their lives…and help us to serve others for You.

Happy 90^th Birthday, Aunt Carole

You are one Special Lady! Blessings.

Happiest of days to you, brother Barry—on your birthday! Celebrate!

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Believe

And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him, and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented." Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him." But the centurion said, "Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, 'Go!' and he goes, and to another, 'Come!' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this!' and he does it." Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, "Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.” ... And Jesus said to the centurion, "Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed." And the servant was healed that very moment. Matthew 8:5-10, 13 

Great faith! You would have thought that the multitude of Jewish people in Israel when Jesus was there would have been great believers in the Messiah—but they weren’t looking for a healer—they were looking for a political leader to free them from the Roman oppression. Here was a Roman soldier looking for healing for his servant. It must have been a cherished or hard working, devoted servant for the centurion to seek Jesus’ help. In Luke 7:2, it is recorded that this servant (or slave) was highly regarded, sick and about to die. Where had this centurion heard about Jesus’ power? He hadn’t grown up studying the Torah or looking for the Messiah. Great faith! Do you have such great faith? We can’t ask Jesus to actually come to our home…but we can ask for His healing touch…for the Holy Spirit to comfort, strengthen, and protect us or our loved ones—those we honor and respect, just like that centurion’s servant. And like the centurion, we can believe. Jesus can still heal.  

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to believe—to believe in His healing power. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I do believe in Your power and Your strength. Touch and heal my family, friends, and neighbors who are in need of Your mercy for their bodies, minds and spirits. You know their needs—and I thank you for Your grace and healing touch. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It is time to get ready for Thanksgiving. Here’s a tasty cranberry sauce that you can prepare a couple hours or the day before your special meal. My family loves pears—so this is a special addition to our menu. Sometimes I chop up the whole orange and add that, along with the juice. 

Cranberry Sauce

1 bag - 12 ounce fresh cranberries
3 cups finely chopped pears (about 2 medium pears)
1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice with the zest of one orange  
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 cup sugar, or less to taste
3 tablespoons minced crystallized ginger (candied ginger)
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan. Cover and bring to a gentle boil over a medium-low heat. Cook about 15 minutes. Uncover, reduce heat to a simmer and cook about 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
Transfer the sauce to a heatproof serving dish and cool 10 minutes. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Makes 3 cups. Serve with turkey, and then on turkey sandwiches the next day.  

Adapted from an Associated Press Recipe in 2008.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

If You are Willing

And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them." Matthew 8:2-4  

Do we sometimes feel that we are unworthy of Jesus’ healing touch? Is He not willing—because we aren’t good enough? That is not how Jesus does things. He simple tells us that we have not because we ask not…that ask and we will receive. Sure sometimes our prayers go unanswered, but is it because we haven’t asked or haven’t been persistent in our asking or our motives in asking are not pure and unselfish? Maybe there is some barrier between us and God because we have built a wall ourselves. Unforgiven sin, doubt, mistrust or just…. It is hard to explain unanswered prayer. Here the leper comes to Jesus believing and he is healed. That is the faith we need. Just believe. Jesus went on to insist that the leper not tell anyone—but that was to honor God with testimony of the healing—and not to draw attention to Himself. It wasn’t time yet for Him to be known to every one—especially the Pharisees. There are several instances where Jesus tells His disciples or those He has healed not to tell. When you have a healing in your life, tell everyone! Jesus is still the great physician—the Healer of body, mind and soul. Spiritual healing is just as amazing and worthy of proclaiming as a physical healing. I’ve experienced that! Recently I prayed and was released from a bondage that I’d been carrying around for more than 40 years. Jesus has promised to set us free—we just have to ask. He is willing.

RSVP: Jesus is offering us healing—just like He healed that leper. He is willing. Are you willing to accept His healing touch in your life—physically, mentally, or spiritually? How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Thank You, Jesus, for being willing to heal us—even when we feel unworthy.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Receive Others in Love – No Stumbling

"And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!” Matthew 18:5-7

Receive a child just like you would Jesus Himself. That is good advice for any one at any age. Greet everyone with the same honor and respect that is deserving of Jesus Himself. Age, gender, nationality don’t matter…the love of Jesus is utmost. Sure we all have preferences and tend to treat family and friends with special deference…but my mother and a couple of other people I’ve met in my lifetime have had the attitude that a stranger is a friend you just haven’t met yet. My Mom could talk to anyone…and she often did. When she died the church was overflowing at her Memorial Service because she treated everyone with love, respect and genuine interest in their lives. I didn’t give her the total respect she deserved—I miss her and regret that I didn’t honor her more. I hope that if your parents—especially your mothers—are still living that you will respect them with the love of the Lord. Don’t be a stumbling block to others or to yourself.

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us today to receive others as we would receive Him. To treat others with the same level of respect that we would give the Son of God…God Himself. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Jesus, You are deserving of our love and respect. Help us to show others the same love that you have shown us.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Great Little Children

And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:2-4

Children are so precious—so trusting, open to learning and unassuming. That is how Jesus wants us to be—trusting. Living in a household with a two and five year old I can attest to their trusting nature, but was Jesus looking for obedience? Most kiddos go through a phase where they just aren’t willing to be obedient. They really know how to push your buttons. Did Jesus know about that? He knows everything—of course He knew of the stubborn and rebellious nature that is in children, as well as adults. But He was looking beyond that to the unique humbling nature of small children. That is what He wants us to do…humble ourselves. What does that look like? How do we humble ourselves? By putting others first…by putting Jesus first in our lives…by living as Jesus would. The word “humble” appears in 48 verses in the NASB translation. In that we discover Moses was more humble than any other man on earth. Numbers 12:3. God expects people to humble themselves before Him—to put ourselves below Him—to bow down.

RSVP: Jesus is calling us to humble ourselves. Can you do that? How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I fall on my face before You. It is a humbling experience to be in Your presence—and yet I yearn to sit at your feet every day…and learn from You—to feel the love of Your presence.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Are You Seeking Greatness or Called to Serve?

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Matthew 18:1

Isn’t that the way it is? Everyone wants to be greatest…at something. Being greatest in heaven…to sit beside Jesus. Wow! What an honor! James and John came to Jesus at one point in time and asked to be given the privilege to sit on His right and left when He came into His glory (see Mark 10:37). Jesus answered them...But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Mark 10:43-45. So who is greatest in heaven? It won’t be those who ask for it. We shouldn’t seek glory and honor for ourselves—on earth or in heaven. Jesus was pretty specific in this Mark passage that we need to be like Him, willing to serve. This reminds me of scripture that the Care Group I’m part of recently studied where Jesus taught about faith…and obedience. Which of you, having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come immediately and sit down to eat'? But will he not say to him, 'Prepare something for me to eat, and properly clothe yourself and serve me while I eat and drink; and afterward you may eat and drink'? He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he? So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.' Luke 17:7-10. We can’t expect to be served—but to serve others. Jesus did. Can we do any less?

RSVP: Jesus is calling us today to serve others—not to seek greatness on earth or in the kingdom of heaven. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Jesus, help me to humble myself and be obedient to You to serve others as You did.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Pay the Tax – Don’t Offend Them

"However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me." Matthew 17:27 

Fish. Consider the fish in the Bible. God made the fish. Jonah was swallowed by a big fish. There was a Fish Gate in the wall surrounding Jerusalem. Jesus fed five thousand and then an additional four thousand men and their families with just a few fish and loaves of bread. Jesus blessed Simon Peter and the other disciples by filling their fishing nets full…yet they didn’t break. Jesus cooked breakfast, including fish, for His disciples after His resurrection. Jesus told Peter to catch a fish…and take a shekel out of its mouth to pay the Roman tax. Don’t offend the Romans…pay the tax. 

Fish. Who would have thought that such a smelly creature would have provided so much for people across the ages? Food, protection, provision and tax payment. When was the last time you caught a fish and took a coin from its mouth?  

RSVP: Jesus did not want to offend the Romans. Just pay the tax…give to Caesar what is due to him. Do you have the same kind of attitude towards your government and taxes? How will you respond to their request for tax payment this year…and to Jesus? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, thank you for providing the resources for tax payment. Please continue to provide prosperity for our families, friends, community and nation. There is always a need for more fish.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Who is Exempt from Taxes?

When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, "Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?" He said, "Yes." And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?" When Peter said, "From strangers," Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are exempt." Matthew 17:24-26

The tax collectors had a real racket going. Remember Matthew was a tax collector and when he became a follower, a disciple, of Jesus he changed his ways. Zacchaeus, another tax collector, whom Jesus visited in his home declared that he would give half of his possessions to the poor and pay back four times as much to anyone he had defrauded (Luke 19:1-10). Both those tax collectors had become rich collecting Roman taxes from people in their communities and were considered sinners by the Pharisees. They themselves probably didn’t pay taxes—at least not out of their own pockets. If someone didn’t pay the Roman taxes they faced harsh penalties. The Jews didn’t like being subjects of Rome as that included paying taxes that supported Roman pagan temples and the Roman lavish upper-class lifestyle.        

RSVP: Jesus wants Simon Peter to think about the reason for paying taxes. We need to consider that we also are only visitors here on earth…and we must pay taxes, too, just like Jesus. Don’t consider skipping out on taxes. Like the Romans, the federal taxes in our country must be paid. Tax time is always looming ahead of us. Jesus is expecting us to be honest and have integrity as we respectfully pay our taxes. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Jesus…but as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; Redeem me, and be gracious to me. Psalm 26:11. I want to follow in Your footsteps and live in Your ways…with honesty, integrity and with respect for all people.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Grief over Death

And while they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men; and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day." And they were deeply grieved. Matthew 17:22-23

Jesus hadn’t even died yet and His disciples were grieved. Dead is inevitable, but knowing ahead of time that a young person, a beloved and respected leader was going to be killed would be devastating. No wonder they were experiencing grief. They probably didn’t totally comprehend the “raised on the third day” perception or they would have been filled with joy. This happened before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. The whole life after death—and resurrection concept was not reality to them. Grief was real. We don’t have to grieve over Jesus’ death—we know that He was resurrected. Glory and honor to our Heaven Father for His plan. His plan of salvation for humanity. Rejoice and be glad—and celebrate. Jesus is alive. Celebrate every day…not just Christmas and Easter.

RSVP: Jesus is telling His disciples, including us, that He would be raised from the dead. He may have been killed—actually died for our sin, but He is alive. Are you grieving? How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Jesus, I rejoice that You are living. You are the Living God. Others may worship a god who died, but You alone died and rose from the dead. I praise You and rejoice with my brothers and sisters in Christ that You loved us enough to die for us—and that the Heavenly Father loved us all even more to raise You from the dead. Glory be to God.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It won’t be long until Christmas…but these cookies are good just any time especially with a nice tamale, taco or enchilada dinner.

Cinnamon Christmas Shortbread

1 3/4 cups flour (stir before measuring)
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

Measure the flour, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon into a bowl. In another bowl, beat butter with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. With a wooden spoon, stir the flour mixture into the creamed mixture just until blended. Round up the dough, flatten into a disk shape and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for about 1 hour. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/4-inch. Cut into heart shapes. Punch a hole near the top of the heart shape if you want to hang the cookies later. Arrange the cookies on lined baking sheets, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and refrigerate for about 10 minutes. Heat oven to 350°. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cookies are set and lightly browned. Transfer the cookies to a rack to cool completely.
Makes about 2 dozen cookies, depending on size.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

 

Faith

Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not drive it out?" And He said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:19-21

Mustard seeds are really small. When we were growing up my sister had a necklace with a mustard seed encased in plastic, magnifying it. It was small—but it was a reminder of this verse and the power of prayer. We were young—what did we know about prayer? As years went by we learned to appreciate prayer and often asked each other to pray. Now she has gone to be with the Lord…in Heaven. Will we pray in heaven? Only time will tell for that. 

The whole issue of demon possession may be beyond most people’s comfort zone of prayer. Jesus instructed His disciples and us that this issue requires fasting along with prayer. Fasting focuses us on prayer, on the issue at hand and the Lord. Fasting isn’t something new in our time, or in Jesus’ time. Remember Esther called the Israelites to fast when they were facing persecution by the king (Esther 4:3). David writes about fasting when others were ill (Psalm 35:14). Of course, there is the time that Jesus went into the desert and fasted for forty days and nights after His baptism (Matthew 4:2). Fasting may make us hungry, but spiritually strengthens us. When our faith in the Lord is strong it is possible that we will experience spiritual warfare. It may not seem like real spiritual battle, just inconveniences, problems, discouragement or depression. That is the time to put on your armor (Ephesians 6:10-18). Protect yourself daily with god’s word and His armor. Then, if you’ve never fasted, the next time you have a deep prayer need, have faith. Try fasting. 

 

RSVP: Jesus is calling us to use our faith in Him to ask for what may seem like an impossible prayer request. How will you respond to Him today?  

Prayer ~ Jesus, I have faith in You. You said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27. I trust You to hear my prayers and answer them…even if they seem impossible.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Lord, Have Mercy.

When they came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus, falling on his knees before Him and saying, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is a lunatic and is very ill; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him." And Jesus answered and said, "You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me." And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once. Matthew 17:14-18

The power of the Lord! He spoke and the demon came out—the boy was cured. Jesus said that we would do greater works. I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.  John 14:12 NLT. Anyone. Anyone who believes in Jesus. Does that include you? If so…you can heal like Jesus did. I’ve seen some great miracles…babies being cured of abnormalities, people healing quickly from surgery, eyesight restored…wonderful miracles. Believe. Put your trust in Jesus. He had mercy on this man and his son…He’ll have mercy on you.

RSVP: Are you an unbelieving and generation? Jesus is challenging you to believe and do miracles like He did. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, have mercy on us…help us in our unbelief that we would have the power to heal like You did.

 © 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Do You Recognize Him?

And His disciples asked Him, "Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" And He answered and said, "Elijah is coming and will restore all things; but I say to you that Elijah already came, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they wished. So also the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands." Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist. Matthew 17:10-13 

 

Jesus was continually teaching His disciples. Teaching them about prophesy and fulfilled prophesy. Who was this Elijah? Not the prophet Elijah of the Old Testament—but John the Baptist, as prophesied in Isaiah and recorded in Matthew…Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, "THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT!'" Matthew 3:1-3 

People were busy in Jesus day just like we all are now—focusing on our career, job, family, friends, sports, or hobbies. We’re not looking at the really big picture. Jesus was trying to tell His disciples about the big picture. What has been prophesied for our future? Jesus spoke about His return and said…You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected." Luke 12:40 NLT. Paul wrote…For you know quite well that the day of the Lord's return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 NLT. So there we have it. We need to recognize who Jesus is…just like people needed to recognize who John the Baptist was. We need to be ready for Jesus’ return.

RSVP:  Jesus explained who John the Baptist was…and foretold of His own suffering. We’ve been told to be ready.  How will you respond to Jesus today?   

Prayer ~ Jesus, thank you for Your message across the years to us. Continue to show me on a daily basis what I need to do to be ready. For today, I’ll search my scripture, read, study, and speak to my family about the importance of being ready. I don’t want anyone to be left behind.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Do Not Be Afraid

And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, "Get up, and do not be afraid." Matthew 17:7 

 

The Bible tells us in several different books not to be afraid.

·         Do not tremble and do not be afraid; Have I not long since announced it to you and declared it? And you are My witnesses. Is there any God besides Me, or is there any other Rock? I know of none. Isaiah 44:8

·         Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me." Matthew 28:10

·         But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, "Do not be afraid any longer, only believe." Mark 5:36

·         I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. Luke 12:4

·         When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, "Do not be afraid; Revelation 1:17

·         In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:11 

So what are you afraid of? Things that go “bump” in the night…stock market failure…crazy drivers on the streets who are talking or texting on their cell phone…or food that contain mystery chemicals or bacteria? Life changes so quickly and things are unpredictable. Cancer strikes and in weeks our loved ones are gone. In this scripture passage Jesus says not to be afraid. But the fear that He is speaking about isn’t the type with which we deal. It is of the mysterious spiritual nature. Hearing the very voice of God resounding across the heavens would be enough to scare anyone. Be reminded that if God is for us…who can be against us. If you ever hear the voice of God…do not be afraid!  

RSVP: Jesus is instructing us, as He did His disciples, do not be afraid. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Jesus, I will not be afraid of anything that usually makes me fearful. I know You are for me…who can be against me. Greater is He—You—who is in me than he who is in the world. I totally put my trust in You.

Happiest of days to you, brother Joe—on your birthday!

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.